Allison H. Gray

On September 9, the Osceola Board of County Commissioners voted to approve an increase to County mobility impact fees, which will substantially increase the cost of development in the County.

The Live Local Act, originally passed on March 29, 2023, seeks to address Florida's affordable housing issues but has faced challenges. Recently, the Florida Attorney General issued an informal opinion that clarified which zoning districts qualify under the Act.

After the Florida Legislature blocked the Orange County Charter Review Committee’s proposed Charter amendments, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) has taken on the initiative by proposing new ordinances.

After the Florida Legislature blocked the Charter amendments, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners proposed new rules to create a Rural Boundary and require County approval for property annexations within it.

Osceola County and St. Cloud have proposed increases to their impact fees but have delayed voting on the new schedules until August after hosting required public workshops.

Osceola County, City of St. Cloud, and City of Mt. Dora are all set to vote on proposed increases to impact fees that, if approved, will substantially increase the cost of development in these jurisdictions.

As one of the fastest growing regions in the United States, Orange County has been working to amend their state-required Comprehensive Plan called, “Vision 2050.”

Orange County is proposing a six-month suspension on processing projects needing Comprehensive Plan amendments, rezonings, and special exceptions.

On April 12, Florida's request to delay the invalidation of its partial assumption of the Clean Water Act's Section 404 program from the Army Corps of Engineers was denied.

The U.S. District Court invalidated Florida's Clean Water Act Section 404 assumption, shifting all permitting back to the Army Corps, causing delays and higher costs.

The Florida Legislature amends Live Local Act with SB 328, adding provisions for developments near airports, floor area ratio, height restrictions, parking, bonuses, variances, and exclusions.

The 2024 Florida Legislature is currently considering revisions to The Live Local Act via Senate Bill No. 328 and Florida House Bill No. 1239.

Florida's pilot program in Lee County, effective August 1, 2023, mandates government-issued photo ID for filing real estate deeds, enhancing security and combating property fraud.

Positive changes for developers and property owners as a corrective statute, effective October 1, 2023, addresses a court decision impacting local government policy on public hearing notices.